DENTAL VENEERS

Dental veneers, sometimes called tooth veneers, can be

used to correct both color and shape problems.

What causes discoloration of the teeth?

Teeth enamel discoloration can be caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Some of the more common causes of teeth discoloration are medications, coffee, tea or cigarettes. People who drink significant amounts of cola soft drinks can experience similar staining.

Aside from staining, there are other factors that can affect the color of an individual's teeth. Genetics can play a role. Some people have naturally brighter enamel than others. Disease can also be a factor and certain medications can cause a discoloration of the teeth. If you suspect that there is an underlying medical cause for your teeth discoloration, be sure to inform your cosmetic dentist.

Who is a candidate for Dental Veneers?

Veneers, porcelain or plastic, are placed over the front teeth to change color shape of the teeth. Veneers are ideal for teeth that are too small, too big, or have uneven surfaces. It is very common for people to have imperfect teeth, either oddly shaped teeth, chipped teeth, crooked teeth, teeth with small holes in them, or an inappropriate sized tooth or teeth that have an odd appearance. Veneers solve such irregularities and create a durable and pleasing smile.

Porcelain veneers, dental veneers, or porcelain laminates? What is the difference? Dental veneers can be fabricated of any biocompatible material, such as porcelains, composite acrylics, or combinations of different porcelains or ceramics. 'Porcelain laminates' is an older term for porcelain veneers. The term 'laminate' comes from the latin word 'lamina' which means 'thin plate' or 'scale.' Lamination is a uniting of superposed layers of material by an adhesive or other means. A laminate is a product made by laminating. Porcelain veneers are fabricated in the dental laboratory by similar layering techniques. The term 'veneer' comes from the german word 'furnier.' It is a thin sheet of wood adapted for adherence to a smooth surface. Porcelain veneers are principally the same as wood veneers. They are thin layers of high quality materials that are bonded to a smooth understructure. Porcelain veneers are the most common procedures offered by cosmetic dentists.